Some common descriptive words for a novel could be 'engaging', which means it grabs the reader's attention. Another is 'intriguing', suggesting that the story makes the reader curious. Also, 'compelling' as it forces the reader to keep on reading.
Common descriptive words for a novel include 'immersive'. When a novel is immersive, it makes the reader feel like they are part of the story world. 'Evocative' is another word. This means that the novel has the ability to evoke strong emotions or memories in the reader. For example, the descriptions of a childhood place might be so vivid that it makes the reader recall their own childhood. And 'riveting' is a word that shows the story is extremely exciting and holds the reader's attention firmly from start to finish.
Consider 'bleak'. It gives a feeling of desolation and hopelessness, like a desolate landscape in a horror - stricken world. Another word is 'malefic'. It emphasizes a harmful and evil nature. Also, 'uncanny' is useful as it implies something so strange that it makes you feel uneasy.
Ghastly. This word can be used to describe a really horrible appearance or situation. For instance, a ghastly face emerging from the darkness. 'Shudder - inducing' is another one. It means that it makes you shudder, like a shudder - inducing scream in a horror story. It directly shows the physical reaction the horror element causes.
Some descriptive words for novels are 'captivating', which means it can hold the reader's attention firmly. 'Intriguing' is also a good one, suggesting that the plot or characters arouse the reader's curiosity. And 'engaging', it implies that the novel makes the reader get involved in the story.
There are words like 'diabolical'. This implies something devilish, something that is extremely evil and cunning in a very scary way. 'Horrific' is another strong word for scary stories. It describes something that is so bad and terrifying that it can leave a long - lasting impression on the reader or listener. 'Hideous' can also be used, especially when describing a really grotesque or ugly and scary character or situation in a story. These words can add more depth and intensity to the horror in a scary story.
Well, there are 'haunting' which gives the idea that the story stays with the reader long after it's been read. 'Gripping' is another one, just like 'enthralling', it makes the reader hold on tight to the story. Also, 'riveting' which means extremely interesting and holding one's attention firmly. The story might be about a mystery or an adventure, and these words would be very suitable to describe how it draws the reader in. It's not just about the plot, but also how the characters are developed and the setting is described that can make a story 'riveting'. For example, a story set in a post - apocalyptic world with complex characters fighting for survival can be 'riveting' as it combines elements of danger, hope, and human nature.
Enchanted. This word gives the feeling of a story being under a spell, full of magic and wonder. Another one is 'mystical', which implies that there are elements in the story that are difficult to understand and are full of mystery. 'Mythical' is also a great word, often associated with legends and creatures from ancient tales.
There are also 'gloomy', 'blood - curdling', and 'unnerving'. 'Gloomy' sets a dark and depressing mood, like a gloomy forest filled with mist. 'Blood - curdling' is used for things that are so scary they make your blood seem to freeze, like a blood - curdling scream. 'Unnerving' makes one feel disturbed or on edge, like an unnerving silence before something bad is about to happen.
Words like 'haunting' are often used in scary stories. It means something that stays in your mind and makes you feel a bit spooked. 'Macabre' is great too, it's related to death and the grotesque, like in a really dark and disturbing horror story. 'Grim' can also be used to describe the overall mood of a scary story, suggesting something very serious and often a bit depressing and scary.
Eerie. This word can describe the strange and spooky atmosphere often found in ghost stories. For example, an old, abandoned house with creaking floors and dim lighting gives an eerie feeling.
Passionate, tender, and alluring are great descriptive words for romance novels. 'Passionate' shows the intense emotions between characters. 'Tender' describes the soft and gentle love. 'Alluring' gives the sense of attraction that draws readers into the romantic story.